Top Tips for Social Media Images That Stop the Scroll

At Delivered Social we consider ourselves experts for social media images that grab attention! The best way to stop the scroll is by using bold visuals, consistent branding, and content that speaks to your audience. With the right approach, your photos can boost engagement, drive clicks, and build trust. Whether you’re a small business, content creator, or digital marketer, great visuals are no longer optional. They’re essential. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok all favour high-quality, eye-catching photos. That means if your visuals aren’t working hard for you, you’re likely losing reach.

In this guide, we’ll break down real, practical strategies to help you create social media images that not only look good but actually perform. From tools and layout tricks to branding consistency and mobile optimisation, we’re covering all our top tips for social media images that you need to stand out in a crowded feed.

Why Social Media Images Matter More Than Ever

Social media isn’t just about words anymore. Today, visuals are what stop someone mid-scroll and make them pay attention. Whether it’s a photo, a quote graphic, or a product shot, the image is often the first thing people see, and first impressions count. Recent studies show that posts with images get up to 650% more engagement than those without. That includes more likes, shares, comments, and clicks. Algorithms on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook all reward content that keeps users engaged, so the better your image, the more reach your post can get.

But it’s not just about numbers. Good images build trust. If your visuals look polished, on-brand, and made with care, your audience is more likely to take your message seriously. It shows you value quality and that you’re invested in what you do. Plus, visuals are a universal language.

Not everyone will read your caption, but almost everyone will see your image. That means your photo or graphic needs to speak clearly on its own. When done right, your social media photos can say more in one glance than a paragraph ever could.

Check out our blog on iPhone photography hacks for social media!

Top Tips for Social Media Images That Actually Work

When it comes to creating great visuals, you don’t need fancy equipment or a graphic design degree. You just need a plan, some good tools, and a clear message. Here are some tips for social media images that truly get results:

1. Keep It Simple and Clear

Busy photos can be overwhelming. Make sure your subject stands out and there’s no unnecessary clutter. If it takes more than a second to understand the image, it’s too complicated.

2. Use Bold, Bright Colours

Strong colours catch the eye faster than muted ones. Use your brand colours or a bright accent that pops. Just make sure everything still feels cohesive and not too loud.

3. Text Should Be Short and Sharp

If you’re adding text to your images, keep it minimal. A strong headline, a short quote, or a quick tip works best. Make it easy to read at a glance, especially on mobile.

4. Stick to a Consistent Style

Choose a style and stick to it. That means using the same fonts, colours, filters, or layout across your content. This helps your followers recognise your posts instantly, no matter the platform.

5. Use the Right Image Sizes for Each Platform

Different platforms have different size recommendations. What works on Instagram might get cropped on Facebook. Take a moment to resize your photos properly before posting.

6. Use High-Quality Photos Only

Blurry or pixelated images instantly feel unprofessional. Use high-resolution photos whenever possible. If you’re using a phone, make sure your lighting is good and the image is in focus.

7. Test What Works

Don’t assume. Try different styles, colours, or formats and see what gets the best response. Use the insights tools built into most platforms to learn what your audience likes.

How to Create Images for Social Media Without a Designer

Not everyone has a graphic designer on speed dial , and the good news is, you don’t need one to create brilliant social media images. There are loads of user-friendly tools out there that make it easy to create professional-looking visuals, even if you’re not a tech expert.

Use Free Design Tools

Tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and Crello are perfect for beginners. They offer drag-and-drop functionality and loads of pre-made templates tailored for social media. You can easily add your branding, swap out colours, and change the text without starting from scratch.

Take Better Photos with Your Phone

If you’re taking your own photos, lighting is key. Natural daylight works best, so try shooting near windows or outside. Avoid using your camera’s zoom and use gridlines to frame the shot properly. A steady hand or cheap tripod can make a huge difference in sharpness too.

Add Brand Elements to Your Images

Most of the tools mentioned let you upload your own logo, fonts, and colour palette. Adding these to your visuals keeps your content recognisable and consistent across platforms.

Try Stock Images (But Don’t Overdo It)

Free stock photo sites like Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay offer high-quality images that don’t look too generic. If you’re short on original content, these are great for fillers, just be sure to customise them so they still feel like your brand.

The key is to make content creation easier, not harder. With the right tools and a little practice, you can create images for social media that look like a pro made them, without the cost.

Want expert tips on social media for your photography business – read our latest blog here!

Social Media Top Tips for Staying On-Brand Visually

Your social media feed should feel like an extension of your brand, not a random mix of styles. A strong visual identity helps build recognition and trust. Whether you’re a local café, an online retailer, or a personal brand, these top tips for social media images will help you stay consistent:

1. Stick to Your Brand Colours

Pick two to four main colours that represent your brand, and use them in your images regularly. This could be as a background, in text, or as part of your graphic elements. Over time, people will start to associate those colours with you.

2. Use the Same Fonts and Text Styles

Choose one or two fonts and use them across all your content. Keep your headings bold and easy to read, and make sure your body text doesn’t get lost in the image. Using the same style every time makes your posts feel polished and professional.

3. Add Your Logo Subtly

You don’t need to slap a giant logo on every image, but adding it in the corner or using a watermark can help protect your work and build brand awareness. Keep it small and neat, enough to be seen, not enough to distract.

4. Use Templates to Save Time

Most design tools let you create and save templates. This is perfect if you want to create a series of quotes, promotions, or tips. Using templates keeps the look consistent and saves loads of time in the long run.

5. Match Your Vibe

If your brand is fun and playful, your images should reflect that. If you’re going for premium and sleek, your visuals need to feel that way too. Think about the tone and personality of your business and make sure your images match that energy.

Visual consistency doesn’t just make your feed look good, it builds trust. When your audience sees a post and instantly knows it’s from you, that’s branding done right.

Let’s Create Social Media Images That Stop the Scroll

There’s no secret formula or one-size-fits-all template. But the truth is, you don’t need to overthink it. With a few smart tweaks, the right tools, and a focus on your brand, you can create social media images that truly make people pause.

At Delivered Social, we work with businesses every day who want to level up their content without spending hours fiddling around with graphics. Whether you need support with your design, want a full strategy behind your visuals, or just need a bit of guidance, we’re here to help. We don’t just make things look good, we make them work. From brand consistency to content planning, we’re all about helping you shine on every platform. And if you’re feeling stuck, we’ll get you unstuck with clear advice, creative ideas, and visuals that actually perform.